FF: What would you say is your biggest challenge in raising a child with special needs?

E: When I think about it, everyday tasks are a challenge, but we have never thought about it as ‘challenges.’ It’s our everyday life. Carson can’t sit, unless supported, doesn’t walk or talk – he’s dependent on us for everything. We just do what we have to do.

FF: What would you say is your greatest joy in raising your children?

E: Sounds cliche’, but EVERYTHING! The way Carson lights up when he hears a familiar voice, the excitement he shows when we say key words (school, swimming, bye-bye), or the smile he gets when he figures out that he likes a toy. His contagious laugh when we hand him keys to play with. Braylon’s personality is starting to come through, so it’s a game to see who can get him to smile or coo.

FF: What would you say has been the biggest help you in raising your kids?

E: Definitely our Faith, family, and friends. When we found out about this condition the first time, I was about 25 weeks pregnant with Carson. We had never heard of L1-CAM, so we didn’t know what to expect. It was a wait and see kind of deal. Same with Braylon. Prayers are powerful and miracles do happen. We were blessed with two of them. L1-CAM is not a well-known condition, so we basically go day by day. We take each milestone as it comes.

FF: Give us one tool you would hate to live without.

E: Our adaptive stroller. Yes, it’s big and bulky, but it gives Carson all the support he needs.

FF: If you could give one piece of advice to another parent who’s child has just been diagnosed, what would it be?

E: You know your child better than anyone. If something doesn’t sound or look right… speak up. Ask questions. Find doctors and therapists that you feel comfortable with – you may be seeing them frequently. Remember that their condition is a PART of them. It doesn’t DEFINE them. Enjoy every second with them.

Erica, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us and all the readers here at Fun and Function.